The 4 Best Shure Wireless Microphone Systems: Full Reviews

What are the best shure wireless microphone systems? Before we dive into our top 4 mic picks, here’s a little back story of the company Shure.

Shure products put a lot of time and effort into quality and durability. They have an incredible process to test and continuously analyze their products. Consistency is a big part of Shure, along with keeping up to date with what musicians need in the present. Many of their staff are musicians. They aim to have a consistent sound with their wireless microphone systems no matter where you use them or how long you have had them.

The 93-year-old company has a long history of innovation. Shure’s goal since the start in 1925 was to always look at the market to keep their innovation fresh. They pride themselves on working with the customer considering many of them are the customer. One of their rigid processes in innovation is they get prototypes of the equipment from the engineers. Then, hand it for real use for a long time by the musicians or audio engineers working within Shure.

When a product is finally released by Shure, it has had hundreds to thousands of hours of real use by musicians/audio engineers. After extensive research, reviews, and personal experience; We formulated a list of the 4 best Shure wireless mic systems.

In Short, Here Are The 4 Best Wireless Microphone Systems From Shure

• Shure GLXD24R/B87A
• Shure ULXD24/Beta 58A
• Shure QLXD24/SM58
• Shure QLXD24/B87A

1. Shure GLXD24R/B87A

The Shure GLXD24R with the Beta 87A is an incredible digital wireless solution for the price. This system checks 4 out of 5 boxes for what to look for in a wireless mic.

Reliability/Signal Strength

With a globally unlicensed 2.4GHz frequency band, the Shure GLXD24R has a much higher chance of a secure future from the FCC auctioning off frequencies. This system features Shure’s state-of-the-art automatic frequency management and bidirectional communication that lets your transmitter automatically link to your receiver and follow any frequency changes.

Each channel uses 6 different frequencies that continuously scan to monitor the frequency condition. After it finds the 3 clearest channels, it transmits the audio signal upon the 3 clearest audio frequencies of the 6 available. If one of the frequencies get interference or conditions deteriorate, it automatically changes to a backup frequency without interrupting the audio. This reason is why GLXD systems have been raved about for signal strength and clarity for years.

Convenient

The Shure GLXD family has the longest battery life of any wireless microphone system of 16 hours. Better yet, it uses lithium-ion rechargeable batteries that are conveniently charged by plugging the battery into the receiver’s docking port. Not needing disposable batteries ends up saving money and becomes much less of a hassle.

Hypothetically in a situation where your GLXD 16 is completely dead and you’re already at the gig, only 15 minutes of charge gives you 90 minutes of playtime. This definitely comes in handy for a bad situation.

Microphone and Sound Quality

Like mentioned earlier, the Beta 87A is an outstanding supercardioid condenser microphone with excellent sound quality. Condenser microphones are much more detailed and articulate that pick up all the nuances of your voice. The mic is either charged by 2 AA batteries or Shure’s Rechargeable Lithium-ion battery but its best to use the Lithium-ion battery that it comes with.

Durability

The Shure GLXD24R is a rack-mountable metal receiver able to take on extreme touring conditions for years to come.

Range

The one thing that the Shure GLXD24R lacks is its range of Indoors: Up to 100 ft. Line-of-sight (200 ft. max); Outdoors: Up to 65 ft. Line-of-sight (165 ft. ideal conditions). Most systems on this list have 300+ feet of range. For singers or speakers who don’t need above 200 feet radius of range, this system is a sound choice.

Features

• 2.4GHz globally unlicensed frequency band
• The transmitter automatically follows the receiver frequency changes using Bidirectional communication
• LINKFREQ intelligent frequency management automatically identifies the best open channels
• Completely eliminates signal interference by continuously monitoring for the clearest signal, then automatically change to the best open frequency without notice
• Allows operation of up to 11 compatible systems
• 16 hours of battery life with rechargeable lithium-ion batteries
• Battery charging docking port on the receiver
• 200 feet radius of range
• Integrate up to 6 GLX-D Advanced systems with a single GLX-D Advanced Frequency Manager

Tech Specs

2. Shure ULXD24/Beta 58A

The Shure ULXD24/Beta 58A is a wireless microphone system using 24-bit/48kHz digital audio. It uses intelligent scanning and predictive switching diversity to find the cleanest frequencies to minimize dropouts and interference.

This system is basically the same as Shure’s QLXD series (1,3) with the main difference being the ULXD’s Ethernet Networking feature. This feature can be advantageous if you’re using multiple wireless devices running at the same time. Ethernet Networking allows you to streamline the setup of multiple receivers enabling the entire band to run wireless without conflict in a much easier fashion.

Microphone Beta

The Beta 58A that comes with this system is a supercardioid dynamic mic for the highest amount of isolation. This mic naturally has a mid-range boost with a dip in the bass for singers who prefer a punchier high end. With very low handling noise and an increased mic frequency response of 50Hz to 15kHz, many sound engineers and singers are moving from SM58 to Beta.

Features

• Predictive switching diversity
• Ethernet networking
• Gain adjustment on the front panel
• Secure transmission with AES 256-bit encryption when security is needed
• Large LCD screen
• Made of durable metal
• 12 hours of playtime with Shure Lithium-Ion Rechargeable Batteries
• Intelligent signal scanning automatically finds and switches to the cleanest frequencies
• Flat frequency response (actual frequency response depends on the microphone) 

Tech Specs

3. Shure QLXD24/SM58

Just like the first QLXD 24 system on the list, this one is slightly cheaper with a different microphone. The QLXD24/SM58 with its digital predictive switching diversity, above 120dB, one-touch sync function, durable metal receiver, and AES 256-bit encryption; All QLXD 24 systems have incredible reliability, audio clarity, easy set-up, security, durability, and signal strength.

The universal standard SM58 is a dynamic microphone that is incredible at rejecting background noise. With a frequency response of 50Hz-15kHz and over 120dB of dynamic range, the cardioid microphone has excellent sound quality.

The SM58 being heavier but smaller than the Beta 87A has an interchangeable mic capsule as well for greater versatility. In scenarios where you prefer a shorter but heavier mic like the SM58 but the sound of a different mic capsule, the Shure SM86, Beta58A, and Beta87A are other capsule options.

Features

• Able to change the microphone capsule for incredible flexibility
• Secure transmission with AES 256-bit encryption
• LCD menu
• Digital predictive switching diversity ensures strong reliability and signal strength
• Above 120dB dynamic range
• One-touch sync function to connect transmitter and receiver for easy setup
• Mute feature
• Durable metal receiver
• Mac, PC, and iOS-compatible for remote operation

Tech Specs

4. Shure QLXD24/B87A

Without spending upwards of $7000-$10000, the absolute best wireless microphone system is the Shure QLXD24/B87A. It is more than capable of handling any application except for stadiums.

Below is the in-depth analysis of why the Shure QLXD24/B87A is our top wireless microphone pick for houses of worship, concerts, corporate events, singing for any voice type, DJ’s, speeches, and speeches or talks in need of security.

Reliability and Signal Strength

Reliability and signal strength is one of the most critical factors when determining a good wireless microphone system. I have witnessed too many shows ruined because the singer’s mic kept cutting out. After a few times, the singer will focus more on the fear of the mic cutting out again rather than the performance. It is vital to get a microphone with incredible frequency agility that’s able to dodge interference. Thus, to our next point.

The Reason Why The Shure QLXD24/B87A Has Incredible Signal Strength And Reliability

For one, its One-touch sync function feature automatically scans for the most robust open channels. This feature is an essential factor in reducing interference and dropouts.

Another incredible feature the QLXD24 has for a reliable RF connection is its digital predictive switching diversity. The 2 antennas work independently scanning for the clearest open channel. If one antenna receives interference, the other antenna unnoticeably picks up the transmission. The antennas consistently scan for the clearest open channel without pressing a button.

Shure QLXD24/B87A Durability + Longevity

Many wireless microphone systems that claim to be made of metal still however have parts made of plastic. Both the receiver and the Microphone for the Shure QLXD24/B87A are entirely made of metal with no plastic parts. This fact alone dramatically increases its durability and longevity that will protect your investment for years to come.

For touring bands or traveling, metal units are significantly more “roadworthy” than plastic units. Your music equipment is consistently being tossed around when you are touring from state to state. Whether it is from the van/bus, back into the van/bus, or the singer who dances across stage with the mic. Overall, the Shure QLXD24/B87A made of only metal is a huge plus.

Sound Quality (Beta 87A Microphone)

Out of every single wireless microphone I have experienced firsthand, the Beta 87A sound quality is second to none. There are a few reasons why this wireless microphone produces such an incredibly rich, detailed, and bright vocal response.

The B87A that comes with this system is a supercardioid condenser microphone. In general, condenser microphones are typically used in the studio that is much more articulate and detailed. They tend to pick up all the nuances of your voice with the downside of picking up sound elsewhere. Contrary to that belief, I and most users of this mic claim there are no issues with picking up unwanted noise with the B87A mic while maintaining the positive benefits of a condenser. One reason may be the microphone polar pattern being a supercardioid that helps reject unwanted background noise.

The fact that the Beta 87A is a rare condenser microphone optimized for live performance alone is a giant reason the sound quality is of the highest grade by Shure. However, that is not the only reason that gives the Shure QLXD24/B87A such fantastic sound quality.

The system provides a 24-bit/48K sampling rate for the purest digital transmission. With a frequency response of 20Hz-20kHz while the mic gives you 50Hz-20kHz allows all the frequencies of the vocal spectrum to be heard. The very low latency is unnoticeable at 2.9ms while reaping the positive benefits of a digital rather than an analog system. Last but not least, the Shure QLXD24/B87A gives you above 120dB of dynamic range.

QLXD24 Receiver

The Shure QLXD 4 receiver is made of all metal with two fold-able antenna’s. The picture, however, makes it seem bigger than it actually is. It’s conveniently small, making it easy to travel with.

Many systems have poor lighting on the front screen that can make it hard to see the menu. This can become a very stressful situation for certain last-minute adjustments on a lit stage or outside. Luckily, the QLXD 4’s receiver provides a very bright screen with LCD lights to easily navigate through the menus regardless of the scenery.

Convenience

THE SHURE QLXD 24 IS AN OVERALL VERY CONVENIENT WIRELESS MICROPHONE SYSTEM FOR A NUMBER OF REASONS.

1. The receiver is rack-mountable, which in it of itself is a massive benefit for those with a rackmount.
2. An easy setup, its One-touch sync function feature automatically scans for the most robust open channels
3. The microphone gives you the option to either use 2 AA batteries, or Shures state-of-the-art rechargeable lithium-ion battery that provides 10 hours of playtime per charge. The Shure’s lithium-ion battery saves you money from cutting out consistent battery purchases. It also saves a great deal of hassle that comes with disposable batteries.

Shure QLXD24/B87A Range

The Shure QLXD 24/B87A provides a vast amount of range for a digital wireless microphone of 300 feet. Imagine crowd surfing a football field of your fans. Three hundred feet gives you more than enough room to cover any event, concert, stage, house of worship, etc.! With the QLXD 24, range will never be an issue.

The Benefits Of The QLXD24/B87A Being Digital Rather Than Analog

In Short, digital wireless microphone systems have arguably better audio clarity. Analog systems must struggle to keep the dynamic range within a legal bandwidth of 200 kilohertz by using companders and pre-emphasis that have their limits in high frequencies. These audio limits are erased with a digital wireless system, thus, much better sound quality.

What Is The Shure QLXD24/B87A Best Used For?

• Corporate/event bands
• Touring
• DJ’s
• Live Vocals
• Karaoke 
• Speeches
• Speeches in need of security with its AES 256-bit encryption
• Houses Of Worship 

Using The QLXD24/B87A For Speakers & Talks

Most events will require you to provide sound support for any speeches and toasts. With 300 feet of range, speakers can walk around the venue without any sound dropouts. Some of these details may sound minor, but they speak volumes to the client and 3rd parties of each event. In turn, creating more future gigs/weddings/events.  

Secure Transmission

The Shure QLXD24/B87A uses AES 256-bit encryption that provides the highest level of security. For essential speeches where hacks or breaches are not an option, the QLXD series is the 1st option from Shure’s engineers.

How To Set Up The Shure QLXD24/B87A

With only two button-presses, the Shure QLXD24/B87A provides one of the easiest setups in the wireless microphone realm. The features that have many people raving about its easy setup is the one-touch sync function.

Tech Specs

A Quick Recap

Here Are The 4 Best Shure Wireless Microphone Systems

• Shure GLXD24R/B87A
• Shure ULXD24/Beta 58A
• Shure QLXD24/SM58
• Shure QLXD24/B87A

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